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Published: Tuesday, 16 December 2025 13:11
On Tuesday December 9th, Tropic Star RV Resort in Pharr hosted their annual Teddy Bear Luncheon. Coordinated by Carol Peets, 103 ladies gifted 209 stuffed animals that were picked up by six Pharr Police Officers.
Over the past several years, the Teddy Bear Luncheon has donated thousands of stuffed animals for the Pharr Police and other Emergency Services to give out to children in need of comfort. The program is just one of the parks wonderful holiday traditions.
Read more: Teddy Bear Luncheon hosted at Tropic Star
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Published: Tuesday, 16 December 2025 13:10
Edinburg, TX - Get ready to jingle all the way into the holiday season. The Dustin Michael Sekula Memorial Library—teaming up with The Friends of the Edinburg Public Library—invites families, teens, and community members of every age to join the 2025 Holly Jolly Winter Celebration. This free and festive family event will take place on Thursday, December 18, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the library, located at 1906 S. Closner Blvd.
The 2025 Holly Jolly Winter Celebration will feature an evening filled with holiday crafts, themed games, photo opportunities, and delightful surprises, all designed to bring joy to attendees of all ages. All activities are free and open to the public, continuing a cherished seasonal tradition for the community.
Read more: Holly Jolly Celebration coming to Dustin Sekula Memorial Library
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Published: Tuesday, 16 December 2025 11:58
The Mission Historical Museum is excited to announce the 20th Annual Quilt Show and is now accepting entries for this beloved community tradition. Quilt enthusiasts are invited to participate by submitting their best work in three categories: Bed Quilts, Wall Hangings, and Decorative Art.
Entry forms and quilts will be accepted through Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Entries can be delivered between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays. The Museum advises early registration, as space is limited and entries will be capped if capacity is reached before the deadline.
Read more: MHM accepting submissions for the 20th Annual Quilt Show
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Published: Tuesday, 16 December 2025 11:56
Going to the Old Hidalgo Pumphouse is a little like having the winning ticket to the past. Not only do you get to visit one of the nine World Birding sites, but there’s the intriguing story and history surrounding the Pumphouse’s importance to agriculture. Also, during this time of year, you’ll get to see it dressed up for the holidays. The last time I visited was around Halloween and they had the entire front of the area decorated with spiders, monsters and clowns.
The center features a 4.5-mile round trip biking and walking trail. On this trail, bikers are likely to see a variety of birds such as Kiskadees, Kingfishers, cardinals, hummingbirds, pelicans, and others. You can take the trail east to the wetlands, or west underneath the border crossing. Visitors can also take their time and walk around, viewing butterfly gardens and the luscious landscape, or make reservations for a tour.
Read more: Hidalgo Pumphouse transformed the Valley
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Published: Tuesday, 16 December 2025 11:40
I hope you are having a great season so far. There have been so many holiday celebrations throughout the Valley that I am sure you have had a chance to go to at least one of them. I am also sure that your park has had something too or has something planned soon.
I have seen photos on Facebook of parks helping those in their community with food, clothing, and more this season. We even have some in this issue of the paper that has been shared with us.
We would love to see photos of your gatherings at your park, your Red Hat adventures, and anything else you want to share with us. We love seeing you having fun.
Our community loves having you here. And it not just because of your giving, but because you are like family while you visit the Valley. You adopt those around you. You make friends. You find causes that you relate to. You really become a part of the Valley, a part of us. Your giving is just a bonus to the communities you help. You are truly a treasure to have for the few short months we do.
There are so many ways to give this time of year. Most of the big organizations like Salvation Army and Toys for Tots are already done collecting toys for children in our area by now. Most will be distributed this week, just before Christmas.
The Salvation Army and RGV Food Bank are just two of the organizations you can give to all year long. Many of the cities in the Valley have their own food banks as well. Then we have church and school organizations, animal shelters, police and fire department organizations, and so many more.
You have a lot of options if you choose to give a little, or a lot, this season.
Like I have said in previous weeks, if you can’t give anything monetary, give a little bit of yourself – a hug, a smile, a touching note, just a little something that tells someone they are appreciated, that they are seen. Sometimes that is more important than anything else.
~ Rina
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Published: Tuesday, 16 December 2025 11:35
Christmas is approaching fast. I will spend Christmas in Central Texas with my children. Right now, I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my oldest daughter who will arrive from San Miguel Allende, Mexico on December 17th. She is more in touch with my other two children - especially age-wise - and will help me with the decisions as to what would be the best choice for their special Christmas presents.
Very definitely we have to have live Christmas greenery in the house for that special Christmas smell. I suppose I better buy some Christmas candles to add to that smell as well.
It has actually been quite a few years since we celebrated Christmas in my home. Do you remember when your children were small and they were just positive that Santa Claus would not be able to find them if they were not in their own home? Now everybody is all grown up, living in other cities with their own small children. So here I am "On the road again."
If you are expecting company to visit you, why not introduce them to some of our fantastic museums that tell the history of the Rio Grande Valley. From the Gulf of Mexico up to Rio Grande City and all the way to Kingsville, you will find plenty to keep you busy. Museums and historical locations with markers help us all to appreciate the history of our area. Take time to read the markers. Many of the museums tell the story in both English and Spanish. Your younger visitors will be fascinated with the stories of pirates who tied lanterns to their donkey's legs and led them up and down the beach at South Padre Island, luring the ships ashore to plunder them of all their treasures.
At the other end of the Valley, in Edinburg, you will find a very interesting Museum of South Texas History. My twelve-year-old great nephew was especially intrigued with this museum. And of course, en route to the upper Valley, you could stop off in Weslaco to visit their two museums. If you want something more up to date, there is Space X on the road to Boca Chica. This would probably be a drive by only.
Whatever you do and wherever you are enjoy your family, friends and visitors as you build memories of the good times you have as you explore the Rio Grande Valley.
For even more sites to see in the Rio Grande Valley, find the Rio Grande Valley Visitors Guide on the Winter Texan Times website. In there you will find plenty of places to visit in whatever area you decide to explore.
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Published: Tuesday, 16 December 2025 11:33
A good many of you are probably familiar with Victoria Palms Restaurant. From the food to the people, it’s a welcoming experience that leaves you cheerful and stuffed. At least I surely was by the end of it, having been a bit too insistent on trying a little bit of everything from the daily breakfast buffet as well as one of the legendary omelets I’ve heard so much about.
The breakfast buffet has an array of options – from scrambled eggs to various breakfast meats and potatoes, pancakes and French toast, an area with yogurt and fruits, and even corned beef. If you have a hard time picking out what to fill your plate with, the staff are helpful and conversational. Though at some point you’ll be beckoned over to the omelet station for the piece de resistance.
At the omelet station, there’s plenty of toppings to appease any palate. Looking around, you’ll see newspaper articles hung up and even a banner celebrating 100,000 omelets. And most of all, there’s a couple behind the counter that brightens any morning. Dave and Lynne – respectively the omelet guy and the omelet guy’s wife – wearing their signature aprons and hats as they make omelets and waffles for every hungry patron, even knowing some by name.
Dave has been cooking pretty much his whole life. With 56 years in the industry under his belt, from restaurant management to bartending to working as a chef, you’ll know that your omelet will be in good hands. He met Lynne while working a management position, in fact, now being married for 36 years. And they make a great team, evident from how they leave a lasting impression on everyone from the happy smiles to the full stomachs.
Read more: Victoria Palms Restaurant: The omelet guy – and the omelet guy’s wife
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Published: Monday, 15 December 2025 20:11
Celebrate the season with an unforgettable evening of music and culture at “From Texas for a Christmas”, a special holiday concert featuring award-winning singer-songwriter Tish Hinojosa. The concert will take place Saturday, December 20, at 7 p.m. at Quinta Mazatlán, McAllen’s urban sanctuary.
“From Texas for a Christmas” is also the title of one of Hinojosa’s acclaimed albums, and this concert brings that spirit to life beneath the stars. Known for using music to raise awareness of cultural and social issues, Hinojosa has released 16 albums in both English and Spanish, spanning genres including folk, country, pop, and Latino music.
Read more: From Texas for a Christmas: Holiday Concert in the Park featuring Tish Hinojosa
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Published: Friday, 12 December 2025 12:16
The McAllen Heritage Center, in partnership with Explore McAllen, proudly invites the community to celebrate the 5th Annual McGrinch Event, a joyful downtown tradition that brings the holiday spirit to life
Guests can shop from local vendors and artisans, enjoy delicious bites from food trucks, and participate in festive activities for all ages. Suerte Bar & Grill Food Truck will also be serving special Grinch-themed tacos and cozy hot chocolate. As downtown McAllen transforms into a cheerful, whimsical space, families, friends, and even beloved pets can gather for an afternoon filled with laughter, lights, and a touch of Grinchy mischief.
The event will be held on Saturday, December 13 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the McAllen Heritage Center, 301 S. Main St.
The event is a free, family-friendly and pet-friendly holiday celebration inspired by the playful spirit of the Grinch. Attendees can enjoy live entertainment, festive holiday treats, local shopping, and plenty of fun activities for all ages. There will be countless opportunities to snap holiday photos throughout the event.
The annual Salvation Army Angel Tree program provides Christmas gifts for children in need throughout the McAllen community each year. This year, more than 2,800 children were registered, and all have been adopted by generous individuals, families, and businesses. The gifts are ready for families to collect this week, and The Salvation Army is in desperate need of volunteers to help with distribution.
